While a similar wine festival has been a northeast Ohio tradition for 20 years, finally being able to establish one in this part of the state has long been a goal for Donniella Winchell, executive director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association, the organization sponsoring the event.
“In the last five or six years, our festival has seen exceptional growth and we thought it was time to take the show on the road,” she said.
While looking at several potential locations, it was the enthusiastic reception in Springfield, including the fairgrounds management, that clinched it as the host.
The goal is to build awareness of the wine communities.
Advance admission tickets cost $25, which includes 12 tickets to sample various wines, a wine glass and a six-bottle carrier tote. Additional sampling tickets cost $5 for three tickets. Admission tickets also will be sold at the door for $30.
While purchasing advance tickets, mention SPCA and $1 will go to Clark County SPCA, which will be represented at the fest.
The wine is just the beginning. There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, cooking demonstrations and programs and a variety of vendors.
Attendees can also purchase bottles of wines they’d like to take home.
“The concept will just be to sip, shop and relax,” Winchell said.
To cover things further, designated driver tickets will be available for $10 and includes tickets for soda or water.
The northeast festival draws up to 20,000 people annually, bringing in $1.5 million to the local community, according to Winchell. She thinks Springfield could enjoy similar success considering the fairgrounds location off Interstate 70 is ideal.
Although this initial event will be indoors, Winchell said she could see future festivals taking advantage of the fairgrounds’ lake and outdoor area.
“We have to walk before we can run and I think we can build this into a tradition,” she said.
HOW TO GO
What: Vintage Ohio South Wine Festival
Where: Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield
When: Saturday, May 12, 1-8 p.m.
Admission: $25 advance, $30 at door
More info: 440-466-4417 or go to www.OhioWines.org
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